SoSmellyAir

Does it matter which side (left or right) of a threaded BB-R9100 bottom bracket is installed first? For reference, the right side (i.e., drive side) has the inner cover attached.

Also, Shimano dealer manual says to put grease on the threads; would anti-seize be better? I have both. Thank you.

Crankycrank

Both will work fine. Anti-Seize will last longer if your bike is underwater frequently but is a messy mess to clean off the threads and your hands and can be a permanent stain on clothes. Grease should be more than adequate for most riders.

Rolla

I don't know if it matters or not, but I always install the drive side first. Grease the threads on both the BB and the shell.

SoSmellyAir

Heh heh, no chance of that in southern California. I also use anti-seize for pedals, and it is messier than grease but not that bad.

I did not know I had to do both, especially when there is already a thin grey layer on the BB threads, so thanks for the tip.

jsdavis

The grease is to act as insulator between the different materials, not for lubrication. Sounds like you are already familiar with anti-seize.

Either one should be fine. I use Super Lube multipurpose grease on my BBs on steel frame or aluminum frame with both steel and aluminum cups and both work fine. I'm in SF a few miles from the ocean also.

dsbrantjr

My go-to for dissimilar metal joints/fasteners where electrolytic corrosion is a concern, is Tef-Gel: https://www.tefgel.com/contain.php?param=tefgel_infor

KerryIrons

Nope. Back in the day essentially all BB cups were steel as were essentially all frames. Grease was used on the threads for what you would expect: allow proper installation torque and prevent corrosion.

SoSmellyAir

Both the frame and the bottom bracket cups are aluminum, but I am not sure what grade of aluminum.

Shimano Dura Ace BB-R9100 Bottom Bracket | Merlin Cycles

Will probably use anti-seize, as I have much more of that than grease.